E-News Thursday 4 June 2026

QDN Engagement

National Reconciliation Week

QDN hosted an event to celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2026 and the theme of “All In”.

Indigenous leaders and non-indigenous leaders from across the disability sector came together to hear from amazing speakers and connect with others at this important event.

QDN recognises and celebrates the important role that First Nations people with disability have and continue to play in the community and the theme “All in” is about the important role we all have to reflect on our shared history and reconciliation.

Speakers included Hannah Marai, Uncle Paul Calcott with Uncle Willie Prince giving a moving Acknowledgement of Country and the event marked an opportunity for all of us to listen, learn and think about what we can do in building stronger relationships and more inclusive communities.

To see pictures of the event, follow the link below to the Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D5vB2wB9w/

Small Changes Big Differences Forum

As part of the Small Changes, Big Difference home modifications campaign that officially launched on 1 May 2026, QDN hosted a forum to discuss the campaign and review campaign materials.

The campaign focuses on the critical role that property managers play in improving rental access and experiences for people with disability, as well as empowering and supporting tenants having minor modifications requested and installed.

Follow the link below to learn more about the Small Changes, Big Difference campaign or to download the campaign resources:
https://qdn.org.au/home-mods/

Have Your Say

Expressions of Interest Open for QDN Board Directors

QDN is inviting Expressions of Interest from members who wish to nominate for election as a director at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, where four Board positions will be available. Members interested in strengthening their leadership skills and helping shape disability rights and advocacy across Queensland are encouraged to apply. QDN particularly welcomes applications from people living in regional, rural and remote communities.

Applicants should submit a current CV or resume, a short statement outlining what they would bring to the Board, and a completed Expression of Interest form. Applications close at 8.00 am on Monday, 6 July 2026.

For more information on the application process, follow the link below:
https://qdn.org.au/expression-of-interest-for-qdn-board-of-directors-2026/

Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill Resources

QDN has created resources to help members have their say about how the proposed NDIS changes may impact them.

These resources include a bill summary, updates and templates that members can use to contact both State and Federal members of Parliament (MP’s).

Download the letter template for State Members of Parliament:
https://qdn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Template-letter-or-email-NDIS-Bill-State-Member.docx

Download the letter template for Federal Members of Parliament:
https://qdn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Template-letter-or-email-NDIS-Bill-Federal-Member-or-Senator.docx

QDN has also completed a submission on the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill. More information about this submission can be found below under Policy.

QDN CEO has been invited to appear before The Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs to speak to these issues.

“The Answer is Human Rights” Seminar

A seminar will be held in person in Brisbane, as well as online, to explore what can be done to better protect human rights at the national, state and territory level. The seminars are being presented by the Australian Human Rights Commission in partnership with the peak human rights and anti-discrimination agencies in each state and territory. The seminars will involve presentations, panel discussion, and question time. Everyone is welcome to attend, but places are limited, so secure your place as soon as registrations open.

To stay up to date as more information is released, follow the link below to the Australian Human Rights Commission website:
The Answer Is Human Rights national seminar series | Australian Human Rights Commission

QDN News/ Events

2026 Inclusion Matters Forums – Roma

Following on from the success in Rockhampton, Inclusion Matters Forums are coming to Roma on 17 June.

Featuring local QDN Peer Leaders, people with disability, family members and carers, community and peak organisations, members of local and regional council and community members and advocates.

From its beginnings in 2025, the Inclusion Matters forums, have grown and are being driven by a need for community collaboration to tackle the inclusion barriers we are facing in our local communities.

To learn more about the Roma 2026 Inclusion Matters Forums, upcoming Inclusion Matters forums, follow the link below:
https://qdn.org.au/ourwork/inclusion-matters/

Stakeholder Engagement and Co-design Events

Looking to strengthen your stakeholder engagement and co-design skills? QDN is hosting three (3) upcoming Stakeholder Engagement and Co-design Trainings on 11, 15 and 17 June, designed for people who might already have some knowledge of engagement and co-design processes but want to sharpen their skills and understanding further.

These interactive 2.5-hour online workshops will explore the key elements of effective stakeholder engagement and provide practical guidance on putting co-design into action.

Whether you are a person with disability, a family member or carer, work in government, or are part of a community organisation, this training will provide valuable insights to support your work and projects.

To register for the next online session on 11 June, follow the link below to register:
https://events.humanitix.com/stakeholder-engagement-and-co-design-training-1-4

Or to register for the online session on 15 or 17 June, follow the link below:
https://qldcodesignstrategy.qdn.org.au/event/stakeholder-engagement-co-design-training-2026/

My Housing Options – Online Information workshops

QDN is continuing to host My Housing Options online information workshops with two (2) upcoming sessions on 29 June, one for people with disability, and their families and carers, and the other for organisations and workers.

These interactive workshops support people with disability and associated organisations to better understand housing situations, priorities and future options.

To access the online workshop for people with disability, follow the link below:
https://events.humanitix.com/my-housing-options-statewide-information-session-people-with-disability-online

To access the online workshop for organisations, follow the link below:
https://events.humanitix.com/my-housing-options-statewide-information-session-organisations-and-workers-online

Policy Position Statement – Employment

Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) is updating our 2026 policy position for employment and will be hosting an online forum on 30 June.

It’s an opportunity to share your experiences, highlight what’s working (and what isn’t) and directly influence the priorities that guide QDN’s advocacy across government, workplaces, and the broader community.

The insights shared at this forum will form a clear, practical Employment Position Statement, published on QDN’s website. This Employment Position Statement will support all members in engaging with decision-makers in government, and broader community spaces.

To register for the policy position for employment event click the link below:
https://events.humanitix.com/qdn-policy-position-statement-forum-employment

Policy Submissions

In Progress

Carers (Recognition) Act 2008

The Carers (Recognition) Act was created to formally recognise the role of carers and the benefits that they bring to the people they care for, the community and the government.

The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety is currently reviewing the Carers (Recognition) Act 2008. The review is focused on identifying potential amendments to the Act to achieve the following objectives:

Ensure appropriate recognition of carers within the community and identify potential mechanisms and opportunities to support their wellbeing;
Ensure the Act is contemporary, sufficiently scoped and fit for purpose;
Ensure the role and functions of the QCAC are meaningful and fit for purpose; and
Establishing the Queensland Carers Charter (Carers Charter).

To read the Queensland Carer Charter, follow the link below:
https://www.families.qld.gov.au/our-work/carers/queensland-carers-advisory-council/queensland-carers-charter

You can provide feedback on the Carers (Recognition) Act by emailing: Carersact@families.qld.gov.au

Submission close on 19 June 2026.

Completed

Disability Parking Permit Scheme Review

QSDN provided a submission to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) on the Disability Parking Permit Scheme Review.

Our submission was informed by member feedback about:

Communication between TMR and permit holders
Eligibility criteria
Organisation permits
Enforcement

To learn more about the disability parking permit scheme, follow the link below:
https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/travel-transport/driving/parking-permits/disability-parking-permits

National Disability Insurance Scheme (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill

QDN held a forum on the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill on Thursday 21 May 2026. Using the feedback from members, QDN provided a submission to the Community Affairs legislation Committee focused on:

Needing to exhaust all treatment options before being approved for the NDIS
Potential reduction of flexibility of core support use
Increase of Ministerial powers
Impact on families and carers who may have to provide more support
Risk of providers being lost, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas due to new to registration requirements
Questions around foundational supports

To read the bill summary, or access other resources related to the Bill, follow the link below to the ‘Our Advocacy’ page on QDN’s website:
https://qdn.org.au/our-advocacy/ndis/

Consultation on court and tribunal users with disability

QDN provided a submission to the Department of Justice on how the court and tribunal system can be more accessible for people with disability.

This consultation is a result of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (volume 8) report, which revealed that people with disability, especially those with cognitive disability, are significantly over-represented in all stages of the criminal justice system. QDN’s submission was informed by feedback from our members, as well as the current work conducted by our disability reforms team.

For more information about this consultation, follow the link to the Department of Justice website:
https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/community-engagement/community-consultation/current/consultation-on-court-and-tribunal-users-with-disability

Policy Updates

Transport

New e-mobility laws from 1 July 2026

New e-mobility laws will take effect in Queensland from 1 July 2026, with further reforms to take place in August. The new laws are intended to improve the safety of e-scooters and e-bikes in Queensland and include:

Police powers to seize and destroy illegal devices from July 1.
Police powers to conduct random breath tests for riders in public places from July 1, with fines of $500- $6,908 issued to riders who have a blood alcohol level over 0.05.
E-bikes and scooters which can exceed 25km/h unassisted will be banned and 12km speed limits to apply near pedestrians, from July 1.
Higher penalties for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding Personal Mobility Devices on prohibited roads from July 1.
Licensing requirements for riders, with exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities, and ability for 12-17 year olds to ride under parental supervision from August 31.
Parental accountability for children under 16 riding illegally, from July 1.

Information about the medical exemption framework that will be used for riders who have a disability or medical condition is yet to follow.

The above laws will be debated in parliament this week.

To learn more, follow the link below to the Queensland Government website:
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/105201

Child Safety

Child Safety Commission of Inquiry Final Report Released

On Wednesday 3 June 2026, The Queensland Child Safety Commission of Inquiry Final Report was released publicly. This was after the report was released to the Government on Friday 22 May 2026.

The inquiry received 1193 submissions from individuals and organisations including from QDN. Now that the report is with the Government, QDN looks forward to their response to the report and what changes they make to improve Child Safety.

If you would like to read the final report, follow the link below:
https://www.childsafetyinquiry.qld.gov.au/

If you would like to read the submissions, please visit https://www.childsafetyinquiry.qld.gov.au/submissions

NDIS

New Supported Independent Living (SIL) Definition and Registration Group Released

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has published a new definition of SIL providers on their website.

The definition now states that it is SIL is delivered to NDIS participants who have higher support needs and:

Requires support at all times of the day, or for most of the day
Has their SIL provider choose and manage all their support workers

Under this new definition, NDIS participants are not able to self-direct supports or choose their own support workers if they while using their SIL funding.

In addition, from 1 July 2026 some SIL providers will need to register with the NDIS Commission. Registration includes:

Certification audits
Compliance with the core module of the NDIS Practice Standards
Compliance with the new supplementary module for supported independent living Practice Standards
All other conditions of registration

A new registration group will also be added to registration certificates of approved providers. The new class of support is 0138 – Assistance with supported independent living and its definition will be included in the NDIS Provider registration and Practice Standards Rules

Read the full definition of SIL, SIL transitional arrangements by following the link below:
https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about-us/ndis-commission-reform-hub/mandatory-registration/mandatory-registration-SIL#paragraph-id-3456512

NDIS Graduate Program

Applications are now open for the 2027 NDIS Graduate Program.

To be eligible for this program, you need to:

Be an Australian citizen
Have completed at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a bachelor’s degree), equivalent or higher equivalent by 31 December 2026
Have completed your most recent degree no more than 5 years ago on the date you lodge your application.

The NDIA welcome applications for people who have studied a broad range of degrees and successful candidates are able to work from any NDIS office in Australia (including offices in rural and remote areas).

To learn more or apply, follow the link below to the NDIS website:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/careers-ndia/career-pathways/graduate-program

Legal

Legal support for people appealing NDIS decisions

National Legal Aid has announced that the Government has committed to $14.7 million in funding to support people with disability gain support for complex NDIS appeals. Funding for this program was originally scheduled to end on 30 June 2026. However, the supplementary funding will allow people with disability to continue receiving legal support for the NDIs from 2026-2027. The additional funding is likely due to the high demand, with National Legal Aid stating that “NDIS appeals have more than doubled since 2023-2024.”

Read the full article by following the link below:
https://nationallegalaid.org.au/news/fed-budget-202627-ndis

Housing

Homes for Australia: A National Plan

On 28 May 2026, the Australian Government released Homes for Australia: A National Plan which is a $47 billion plan to rebuild Australia’s housing system. The plan has 6 priorities:

Building the homes Australia needs so housing becomes more affordable
Levelling the playing field for first home buyers so more Australians can own a home of their own
Making renting fairer and more affordable so renters can live in security and plan for the future
Growing the social and affordable housing sector so more Australians have a stable place to call home
Closing the housing gap in genuine partnership with First Nations Australians
Supporting people experiencing homelessness, crisis, and family and domestic violence with a strengthened system

The document also includes useful insights about how the housing market has changed over the decades, including how earnings have not kept pace with rising house prices, and home ownership rates for young people aged 25 – 34 have fallen by more than 15% since 1981.

To read the full plan, follow the link below to the Australian Treasury website:
https://treasury.gov.au/publication/p2026-773858

From our Friends

Carer Recognition Act Consultation – Carers Queensland Advocacy

The Queensland Government recently announced a review of the Carers Recognition Act 2008.

In response, Carers Queensland has launched an online page encouraging carers to complete an online survey which is open until 30 June and attend a community consultation session at one of the following locations:

Rockhampton Leagues Club – 15 June, 10am to 12pm
Brisbane – Kedron Wavell Sky Lounge – 16 June, 10am to 12pm
Murgon Town Hall – South Burnett – 17 June, 10am to 12pm
Brothers Leagues Club Townsville – 19 June, 10am to 12pm

If you are interested in finding out more about Carers Queensland’s work on this consultation, follow the link below:
https://carersqld.com.au/for-carers/carer-recognition-act/

Disability Voices in Healthcare ‘Your Voice Matters’ Campaign

Disability Voices in Healthcare is currently undertaking a campaign to encourage people with disability to do the following:

Highlight their experiences in the healthcare system
Provide evidence which can assist with advocacy to government, hospitals and health services
Push for changes to improve healthcare for everyone.

A have your say page has been setup. If you would like to take part in this chance to show the need for better healthcare for people with disability, follow the link below:
https://disabilityvoices.com.au/have-your-say/

Free Health webinar for parents, supports and people with intellectual disability

90-minute webinar, where you will hear from experts, people with lived experience and families on health checks, health appointments and practical ways to take a proactive approach to health.

Hosted by the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability on Tuesday 23 June at 2:15pm.

Register for the webinar by following the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/supporting-health-and-wellbeing-of-people-with-intellectual-disability-tickets-1988797554021

City of Gold Coast – Disability Access Survey

The City of Gold Coast is seeking feedback from people with disability, as well as families, carers and support networks, about accessibility in local sporting venues, aquatic centres, community centres, parks, waterways and beaches.

Your feedback will help identify what’s working well and where improvements are needed to create more inclusive and accessible community spaces. The survey recognises a wide range of access needs, including physical, sensory, cognitive, neurodivergent and invisible disabilities.

The survey is open until Friday 19 June 2026. Participants can also enter a draw to win one of three $250 gift vouchers (terms and conditions apply).

To learn how to take part in the survey, follow the link below:
https://gchaveyoursay.com.au/da

2026 Innovation Seed Funding Grants – National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability

Applications are now open for the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability’s 2026 Innovative Seed Funding Grants.

The Grants support practical projects that improve how care is delviered for people with intellectual disability.

Two projects will be selected and can receive up to $100,000.

To learn more about the criteria for the grant applications, follow the link below:
https://nceidh.org.au/news/2026-innovation-seed-funding-grants

Stories

QDN’s policy team wants to hear about the issues impacting your lives. If you have a story to share, fill out a story form on our website.

QDN Membership

QDN membership is open to people with disability, their families, carers and supporter organisations. If you or someone you know would like to be a QDN member apply here:
https://qdn.org.au/membership/qdn-member-application/

Contact Us

Any questions, contact the QDN team on 1300 363 783 or email qdn@qdn.org.au